Snøscootersafari to “Little Russia on Svalbard” in Barentsburg, 3 days - Arctic Travel Company

Join us on 3-days snow adventure to “Little Russia on Svalbard”, inaccessible otherwise than by snowmobile. You follow the traces of the famous Arctic explorers, get known to the stunning history of the Russian mining settlement and Russian traditions and have a tour to the Isfjord radio, a mythic coast radio and weather station founded in the beginning of the 20th century at Kapp Linné. Great panoramic views and historical sights are ahead! We might even see polar bear roaming on the ice! During 3 days we will leave behind over 240 km.

Day 1. Longyearbyen – Russian settlement Barentsburg

After breakfast, at 08:30 you will be picked up by the guide at your place of accommodation, who will take you to our Expedition Centre Russki Dom for a briefing. We will brief you on the planned route, and give you an update on the weather forecast. We provide solid and warm snowmobile suits. At 09:30 we are equipped and ready on to discover Little Russia on Svalbard in spectacular Arctic wilderness.

We start heading through the narrow valleys Todalen and Bodalen. Having made at least a dozen unique pictures in a couple of hours we pass along Grønfjord in the midst of magniﬁcent mountain landscapes, to Cape Finneset and further on to Barentsburg – a charming Russian mining community. One can say that time is frozen here. A statue of Lenin watches the town and its population and a slogan “Our purpose is communism” standing behind. But the whole atmosphere is very positive with multi-coloured houses, playing children, curious reindeers roaming here and there and absolutely splendid Arctic landscape. We check in at the comfortable Barentsburg Hotel and soon after will be served a delicious traditional Russian lunch. Afterwards a guided tour round the settlement for 30-40 min and a visit to the Local Regional Museum Pomor, special for its exhibitions on the Pomor culture, the Arctic ﬂora and fauna.

In the evening you can have a snowshoe tour to the Olaf Mountain. The tour doesn’t require special skills and could be suitable to everyone. The view downwards is spectacular!

Dinner of Russian cuisine with tasting of local beer made according to the best Belgian traditions with glacier ice water in the brewery Red Bear. Night in Barentsburg.

Snowmobiling 60 km, 3 – 3.5 hrs

Day 2. Mythic coast radio and a workshop of Russian handicraft in Barentsburg: Barentsburg – Grønfjord glacier – Lakes of Linné and Congress - Isfjord Radio –– Barentsburg

After breakfast we continue our Arctic exploration. We leave Barentsburg and follow the coast of Grønfjord, up to the Grønfjord glacier and to the Starostin Cape. We are passing along spectacular lakes of Linné and Congress. With the landscape in the background experienced by Willem Barents 500 years ago, we drive along Nordenskjold coast to the Greenland sea. A delicious lunch will be served at Isfjord Radio, a mythic coast radio and weather station founded in the beginning of the 20th century at Kapp Linné. In the afternoon we drive back to Barentsburg.

Upon arriving we have a splendid opportunity to visit some handicraft workshops in the local Cultural Centre and make a unique souvenir of our own (Russian matryoshka/ soap/ funny toy of felted wool etc.). All the workshops will be interesting both to grown-ups and children and take approx. 3 hrs.

Dinner at Barentsburg restaurant.

Snowmobiling 100 km, 4 -5 hrs

Day 3. Good-bye Little Russia and Hello again Longyearbyen!

Early breakfast at 07 am and leaving the charming Russian community. We drive back to Longyearbyen. Passing Cape Heer, still active Russian heliport, we continue along the coast with many fine views to take photos of. Soon we arrive Coles Bay by Kapp Laila, on the south side of Isfjorden. After driving through the different valleys and the changing landscape we will start climbing with the snowmobiles up a long hill to the top of the Longyearbreen. The view here is absolutely amazing discovering gleaming in lights tiny Longyearbyen in an enormous Arctic nature.

Expedition lunch is on the way. Arrive to Longyearbyen at appr.11:30 am. Good time for those who have an afternoon flight! Transfer to the airport.

Snowmobiling 60 km, 3 -3.5 hrs

Depending on the weather and snow conditions our guide can change the route.